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1921 – Vitriolic Treaty debate starts in Dail Éireann.

Ireland starts to tear itself apart as opposing forces debate the Treaty, setting the stage for a vicious Civil War.

Following are some passionate speeches from Arthur Griffith, Éamon de Valera and Michael Collins.

Arthur Griffith:

“(I move) that Dáil Éireann approves of the Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland, signed in London on December 6th, 1921.”

Nearly three months ago Dáil Éireann appointed plenipotentiaries to go to London to treat with the British Government and to make a bargain with them. We have made a bargain. We have brought it back. We were to go there to reconcile our aspirations with the association of the community of nations known as the British Empire. That task which was given to us was as hard as was ever placed on the shoulders of men. We faced that task; we knew that whatever happened we would have our critics, and we made…